Nehemiah, an exile from Jerusalem, was a cup-bearer to King Xerses. His job was cool and was kept in high esteem. He was the most trusted person in the kingdom. He attended the king at his table. Nehemiah had to listen to everything that the king discusses in the dining table. The king was also aware of it but trusted Nehemiah.
As he was happily enjoying his comforts and passing his days in glee, he was visited by Hanani, his cousin from Jerusalem. With his usual charm Nehemiah inquired about his people back in Jerusalem. Hanani couldn’t resist and broke opened the state of distress prevailing in Jerusalem. He cried that the walls were broken and the gates were burnt, an answer Nehemiah least expected to hear. He fasted and prayed for a few days.
His prayer (1:11) is something which we need to learn a lot from. He asks God to help him find favor in the eyes of the king. Now the king he refers to is a heathen king. Why should Nehemiah request the king when he knows the God he serves is greater than the king? It’s only because he chose to obey his earthly master, though he is a heathen king. Paul emphasizes in Romans 13:1-2 that we should submit ourselves to the governing authorities.
Just as he prayed, the king granted him his request (2:8). It may be hard for some of us to submit to an earthly master be it your boss, your team leader or manager. We may sometimes feel on top just because we are sons and daughters of the most high King. But we need to understand that we could never please our heavenly master without pleasing our earthly master. Children should submit to their parents, wives to their husbands, team members to their leaders, church members to their Pastors, school children to their teachers and so on.
Jesus, today we pray that you set our hearts to be submissive to the elders around us as we submit to you. Give us the humility to understand, accept and obey our earthly masters. Amen
Saturday, January 12, 2008
Obeying our earthly masters – Nehemiah 1:11
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3 comments:
The passage is absolutely truth. Bible says, we should serve our worldy boss as to the Lord. Also, Acts 5:29 - "We must obey God rather than men!" - When it comes between Word of God and men or Gvt. or Company rules, we must obey God and God alone. God's Word is supreme authority for us. Praise God.
I agree to the point what Joe stresses on – We should be aware, for what we obey earthly men.
Here is the example of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego from book of Daniel 3:13-30 from Bible.. And also Daniel himself, who was thrown in to the den of lions for obeying God rather than the King. You know the result. God never leaves us into destruction who put his trust in Him truly.
Praise God.
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